What birth control is the same as Sprintec?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, oral contraceptive pills are one of the most commonly used types of birth control in the U.S.. When it comes to finding out what birth control is the same as Sprintec, understanding its active ingredients and dosage is key, as several generic versions offer an identical formulation at a lower cost.

Quick Summary

Several generic alternatives to Sprintec are available with the exact same active ingredients, norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. These monophasic pills are pharmacologically equivalent, though brand and generic versions can differ in inactive ingredients and cost. Other similar-sounding options, like Tri-Sprintec, are not identical and have different hormone dosing.

Key Points

Sprintec is a Monophasic Pill: Sprintec contains a consistent dose of the same active ingredients, 0.25mg norgestimate and 35mcg ethinyl estradiol, in each active tablet.
Generic Equivalents Exist: Direct generic equivalents of Sprintec, such as Mili and Mono-Linyah, have the same active ingredients and are considered therapeutically interchangeable.
Inactive Ingredients May Differ: While active ingredients are the same in generics, minor differences in inactive components can cause reactions in some people.
Not All "Sprintec" Pills Are the Same: Sprintec is monophasic, while Tri-Sprintec and Tri-Lo-Sprintec are triphasic and have varying hormone levels; they are not direct substitutes.
Consult a Doctor for Changes: Always speak with your healthcare provider before switching pills to ensure the chosen medication is safe and appropriate for your health history.
Consider Cost and Insurance: Generic versions are often significantly cheaper and covered more readily by insurance plans than brand-name options like the discontinued Ortho-Cyclen.
Know the Side Effects: Be aware of common and rare but serious side effects, such as blood clots, especially if you are over 35 and smoke.

Understanding Sprintec and Its Active Ingredients

Sprintec is a monophasic combined oral contraceptive (COC), meaning each active pill in the pack contains a consistent, single dose of hormones. This is in contrast to multiphasic pills, where hormone levels change over the course of the cycle. The active ingredients in Sprintec are 0.25mg of the progestin norgestimate and 35mcg of the estrogen ethinyl estradiol.

These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy primarily by:

Suppressing ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg.
Thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to travel into the uterus.
Altering the uterine lining to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.

Sprintec was originally marketed as the generic for the now-discontinued brand-name pill Ortho-Cyclen, so any pill with the same chemical composition is considered a direct substitute.

Direct Generic Equivalents to Sprintec

Because Sprintec contains a specific combination and dosage of active ingredients, any generic pill with the identical formulation (0.25mg norgestimate and 35mcg ethinyl estradiol) is considered a pharmacological equivalent. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that generic medications be therapeutically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they have the same strength, quality, purity, and intended use. This means that for most users, these pills are interchangeable.

Some of the most common generic equivalents that have the same formula as Sprintec include:

Mili
Mono-Linyah
Estarylla
Femynor
Nymyo
Previfem
Vylibra

Inactive ingredients, such as coloring agents and fillers, can differ between brands. While this has no impact on contraceptive effectiveness, some individuals may have a sensitivity or allergy to a specific inactive ingredient.

Comparison of Sprintec and Its Equivalents

While the active components are identical, there are key differences between Sprintec and its generic alternatives that may influence your choice. The most significant factors are cost and the specific inactive ingredients used by each manufacturer.

Sprintec vs. Other Formulations

It is crucial to differentiate Sprintec from other similar-sounding pills, which are not direct equivalents. Confusing a monophasic pill with a multiphasic one can disrupt the intended hormonal cycle and affect efficacy and side effects.

Sprintec (Monophasic) vs. Tri-Sprintec (Triphasic)

Sprintec delivers a consistent dose of hormones throughout the 21 active pills in the pack.
Tri-Sprintec, though containing the same active ingredients, delivers three different doses over the three weeks of active pills. This dosage schedule mimics the natural hormonal fluctuations of a menstrual cycle more closely.

Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

Tri-Lo-Sprintec is a triphasic pill with an even lower estrogen dose (25mcg) than Tri-Sprintec and Sprintec (35mcg). This might be an option for individuals sensitive to estrogen, but it is not a direct substitute for Sprintec.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Cost can vary significantly between brand-name medications and their generic equivalents. Many insurance plans fully cover generic birth control pills, making them a more affordable option. Pharmacies also offer lower cash prices for generics, which can lead to substantial savings over time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Your healthcare provider is the best resource for determining which birth control option is right for you. When switching from Sprintec to a generic equivalent, it is important to discuss your health history and any past reactions to inactive ingredients.

Points to discuss with your doctor:

Your current medication and any potential drug interactions.
Any history of serious side effects or allergies.
Your personal health profile, including smoking habits and age, which are critical risk factors for blood clots.
Desired outcomes, such as pregnancy prevention, acne treatment, or menstrual cycle regulation, as some alternatives may have different approved indications.

Sprintec and Equivalent Comparison Table


Feature	Sprintec (Brand)	Mili (Generic)	Tri-Sprintec (Generic)
Active Ingredients	Norgestimate 0.25mg, Ethinyl Estradiol 35mcg	Norgestimate 0.25mg, Ethinyl Estradiol 35mcg	Norgestimate (varying), Ethinyl Estradiol (varying)
Dosage Type	Monophasic	Monophasic	Triphasic
Equivalency	Original formula	Direct pharmacological equivalent	Not equivalent
Indications	Contraception, Acne	Contraception, Acne	Contraception, Acne
Active Pills	21 pills with same hormone dose	21 pills with same hormone dose	21 pills with three different hormone doses
Inactive Ingredients	May vary by manufacturer	May vary by manufacturer	May vary by manufacturer
Cost	Typically higher	Typically lower	Typically lower (compared to brand)

Side Effects and Risks of Sprintec Equivalents

Side effects and warnings for Sprintec and its generic versions are largely identical due to the same active ingredients. Common side effects include nausea, weight changes, and breast tenderness. More serious, though rare, side effects include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially for women over 35 who smoke. All users should be aware of these risks.

Common side effects may include:

Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Mood changes or depression
Changes in menstrual bleeding or spotting
Breast tenderness
Weight changes

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

Sudden vision problems or severe headaches
Chest pain or heaviness
Signs of a blood clot (swelling, redness in a leg)
Allergic reactions like hives or difficulty breathing

For a full list of potential side effects and drug interactions, refer to the prescribing information or consult a pharmacist. An authoritative resource is the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

For those wondering what birth control is the same as Sprintec, the answer lies in its generic equivalents. Medications such as Mili, Mono-Linyah, and Estarylla contain the same hormonal formula, making them therapeutically identical. While these generics offer a more affordable option, it is crucial to understand that similar-sounding pills like Tri-Sprintec have different hormone dosages and are not direct replacements. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you are selecting the safest and most appropriate birth control for your needs and medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Sprintec is the generic version of the discontinued brand-name oral contraceptive, Ortho-Cyclen. Both contained the same active ingredients, norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol.

Sprintec is a monophasic birth control pill, meaning all active pills contain the same dose of hormones. Tri-Sprintec is a triphasic pill, meaning the hormone doses change three times throughout the monthly pack.

Yes, Mili and Sprintec contain the exact same active ingredients in the same dosage (0.25mg norgestimate and 35mcg ethinyl estradiol). They are considered generic equivalents and are therapeutically interchangeable.

Yes, Mono-Linyah is also a generic equivalent of Sprintec. Like Sprintec, it is a monophasic pill containing 0.25mg norgestimate and 35mcg ethinyl estradiol.

Generic versions are often chosen because they are significantly less expensive than their brand-name counterparts. Many insurance plans may also provide better coverage for generic medications.

Yes, the FDA requires generic drugs to be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they have the same active ingredients and work the same way in the body. The only potential difference is in inactive ingredients.

If you experience new or different side effects after switching to a generic equivalent, you should consult your healthcare provider. It may be an intolerance to one of the inactive ingredients, and they can help you find a different brand or formulation.